Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

As the cool weather of fall approaches, the flavors of pumpkin spice take center stage. Whether you're planning for a Halloween party or simply craving a cozy dessert, these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting will satisfy every autumnal sweet tooth. They’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavor. Ready to bake up some magic? Follow along with this recipe to create a delicious fall treat that you’ll want to make again and again!

What Are Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Pumpkin bars are essentially a soft and fluffy sheet cake that’s cut into square or rectangular pieces, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to bake, incredibly flavorful, and make for the perfect dessert to share at gatherings. With a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with pumpkin puree, these bars are moist and tender. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful creaminess that complements the spices perfectly. This is a dessert that strikes the ideal balance between sweet and spicy, creamy and moist.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bars

To create these perfect pumpkin bars, you’ll need a few basic baking ingredients. Here’s the full list:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or flavor preferences. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Oil Substitution: If you want a slightly healthier option, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce. This keeps the bars moist while reducing the fat content.
• Spice Substitution: If you don’t have all the individual spices, you can substitute 2 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Sweetener Alternative: Swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter to make a lactose-free version of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

These pumpkin bars are straightforward to make. Follow these simple steps to get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in denser bars.

Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once your pumpkin bars are cool, it’s time to whip up the luscious cream cheese frosting.

Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

1. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Mix again until well combined.

Step 3: Frost the Pumpkin Bars

1. Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula.
2. For a smoother finish, dip the spatula in warm water and run it over the frosting to smooth out any ridges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting:

• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before making the frosting. Cold cream cheese can create lumpy frosting that’s hard to spread.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the pumpkin batter can result in dense, tough bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool: Don’t frost the pumpkin bars until they’ve cooled completely. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin bars are ideal for serving at gatherings or parties, and you can make them look extra special with a few simple presentation ideas.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bars:

1. Use a sharp knife to cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each slice.
2. Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. The frosting will firm up a bit when chilled, making the bars easier to transport and serve.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spice Dusting: For a rustic touch, lightly dust the top of the frosting with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Decorative Piping: Use a piping bag to pipe swirls of frosting on top of each bar for a more elegant presentation.
• Candied Pecans: Sprinkle chopped candied pecans or walnuts over the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Seasonal Garnish: Add a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or festive sugar decorations, like pumpkin-shaped sprinkles or autumn leaf designs, to make the bars feel even more seasonal.

Pumpkin Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to use room-temperature ingredients for both the bars and the frosting, especially the eggs and cream cheese. This helps ensure smooth mixing and prevents lumps.
• Extra Moisture: If you prefer extra-moist bars, add ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the pumpkin batter. This will give the bars an even softer texture.
• Add-Ins: For a fun variation, fold in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting? A: Yes, pumpkin bars freeze well, even with the frosting. Place the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I make the pumpkin bars ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can make the pumpkin bars a day or two in advance. Once cooled, store them in the fridge, covered, and frost them the day you plan to serve them.

Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree? A: Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree can be substituted for canned pumpkin puree. Just make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture, as homemade puree can be wetter than canned.

Q: What if my frosting is too runny? A: If your cream cheese frosting turns out too runny, try adding more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Also, make sure your cream cheese wasn’t too warm when you started mixing.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert—a perfect blend of spiced pumpkin cake and rich, creamy frosting. They’re ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal holiday dinners. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just love whipping up a treat every now and then, this recipe is easy to follow and yields spectacular results. Be sure to try out some of the variations and presentation ideas to make them uniquely your own. Enjoy every bite of these festive, flavorful bars!

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